The Apartment
DMZ_1
Posts: 2,889 Member
Apartments are a key part of single life, particularly urban single life.
What are your favorite aspects of apartment living? What are some things that you dislike about apartment living? Any unique stories to your apartment(s)?
Consider this a free flowing conversation about apartment life.
What are your favorite aspects of apartment living? What are some things that you dislike about apartment living? Any unique stories to your apartment(s)?
Consider this a free flowing conversation about apartment life.
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I loved living in apartments because:
a) the maintenance man would take care of anything that was broken
b) no upkeep needed, but the cleanliness of the apartment
I am (hopefully soon!!) moving into a condo. I'm looking forward to it because the association takes care of the exterior. I don't have a balcony, so that sucks a bit. BUT I do have lots of windows and natural lighting.
One day I want my own home with my own lawn and front porch, but right now, the responsibilities are way too much for me.0 -
My apartment is just a building with one upstairs apartment and one down--I live downstairs, and the people upstairs are SO LOUD.....last night they had to have been doing an exercise video.....constant jumping up and down, and sounded like they were running back and forth. I was getting nervous....there are 2 women living there--one probably about 60+ and the other probably close to 400 lbs--while I think it is great they are exercising, I was nervous.........
And, I HATE my kitchen---teeny tiny
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I abhor apartment living. Have always owned my own house since I was 23 right out of the military. I hated the fact that people lived above me, I love my music and love turning up the volume. I love having a garage I can get greasy and oily in. I love turning a wrench....I love watering my lawn and pruning my trees.
Yes it sucks to have to do the maintenance, but I think it's a matter of perspective.
On the flip side, an apartment can be kept clean so much easier and you have a pool that you don't have to maintain...and probably hot, single neighbors.0 -
I abhor apartment living. Have always owned my own house since I was 23 right out of the military. I hated the fact that people lived above me, I love my music and love turning up the volume. I love having a garage I can get greasy and oily in. I love turning a wrench....I love watering my lawn and pruning my trees.
Yes it sucks to have to do the maintenance, but I think it's a matter of perspective.
On the flip side, an apartment can be kept clean so much easier and you have a pool that you don't have to maintain...and probably hot, single neighbors.
No hot, single neighbors for me
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When I lived in an apartment I always had to be on the top floor. Not only so I didn't have the noise above me but because I always felt safer as a single woman living by myself on the top floor. I like to move around so that is why apartments suit me better. Right now I prefer my investment being in something that doesn't depreciate and hate owning my town home. Also the amenities at most apartments make up for any cons.
My friend lives on the bottom floor and a guy we know from the group I play sports in moved in a couple months ago above her. They are the biggest a-hole neighbors. Really it is two ghetto guys that party to all hours and will bang things on purpose on the floor to try and get her to come up and visit them. My friend works along side the FBI and is randomly drug tested and they always have at minimum someone smoking a joint in the apartment. Not to mention that she once threw some wd40 up on to the balcony because his bed and floor boards were squeeking so bad.0 -
Yes it sucks to have to do the maintenance, but I think it's a matter of perspective.
It's not a matter of the maintenance being sucky, it's a matter of being able to financially keep a home. I won't get myself into that predicament.
BTW- did you say oily? :blushing:0 -
Apartments are a key part of single life, particularly urban single life.
What are your favorite aspects of apartment living? What are some things that you dislike about apartment living? Any unique stories to your apartment(s)?
Consider this a free flowing conversation about apartment life.
I can't do apartment living. Though each apartment I lived in was an interesting experience.
I've lived in a crappy 2 bedroom apartment w/ a roommate when I was in college. The place was basically a health hazard and the living conditions were horrendous. I'll never forget the day I moved out, I was clearing out trash bags in the kitchen and the bags were crawling with maggots. Disgusting.
I had a 400 sq ft apartment in the South End section of Boston for 4 years. That place was old, not updated, and just a piece of crap. I lived close to the Pine Street Inn (homeless shelter) and had to dodge panhandlers everyday. Humans aren't meant to live in such close quarters.
I lived in a newish building (built in the early 2000's) in the North Beach section of Miami Beach. The place was nice, but some guy tried to throw his girlfriend off the 28th floor balcony during a dispute. There was sex in the hot tub, people doing cocaine by the pool area, and more fake boobs than you can imagine. That was a wild couple of years.
Apartment living is good when you are young because it's easier to meet people in the common areas (gym, pool, sauna, etc), but I didn't like hearing my neighbors on all sides of me. I made some good friends during my apartment living years though.
I bought a brand new 2,000 sq ft house last year. And honestly, I want to sell and buy a larger place with a pool. After living in such small places for years, I want the biggest, most obnoxious McMansion money can buy!0 -
Apartments are a key part of single life, particularly urban single life.
What are your favorite aspects of apartment living? What are some things that you dislike about apartment living? Any unique stories to your apartment(s)?
Consider this a free flowing conversation about apartment life.
I can't do apartment living. Though each apartment I lived in was an interesting experience.
I've lived in a crappy 2 bedroom apartment w/ a roommate when I was in college. The place was basically a health hazard and the living conditions were horrendous. I'll never forget the day I moved out, I was clearing out trash bags in the kitchen and the bags were crawling with maggots. Disgusting.
I had a 400 sq ft apartment in the South End section of Boston for 4 years. That place was old, not updated, and just a piece of crap. I lived close to the Pine Street Inn (homeless shelter) and had to dodge panhandlers everyday. Humans aren't meant to live in such close quarters.
I lived in a newish building (built in the early 2000's) in the North Beach section of Miami Beach. The place was nice, but some guy tried to throw his girlfriend off the 28th floor balcony during a dispute. There was sex in the hot tub, people doing cocaine by the pool area, and more fake boobs than you can imagine. That was a wild couple of years.
Apartment living is good when you are young because it's easier to meet people in the common areas (gym, pool, sauna, etc), but I didn't like hearing my neighbors on all sides of me. I made some good friends during my apartment living years though.
I bought a brand new 2,000 sq ft house last year. And honestly, I want to sell and buy a larger place with a pool. After living in such small places for years, I want the biggest, most obnoxious McMansion money can buy!
I wish I could dream big like you and actually make it happen.... my job sucks :-/0 -
I wish I could dream big like you and actually make it happen.... my job sucks :-/
The housing market has picked up, so I might be in for a reality check if I try to upgrade!
For a while, you could buy a 3000 sq foot house for around 300k in a marginal area. I check the MLS daily and prices are definitely going up.0 -
I wish I could dream big like you and actually make it happen.... my job sucks :-/
The housing market has picked up, so I might be in for a reality check if I try to upgrade!
For a while, you could buy a 3000 sq foot house for around 300k in a marginal area. I check the MLS daily and prices are definitely going up.
Yeah, my realtor did tell me they were going up. Thankfully I got this condo at a good deal. It's a fixer upper so once it's all said and done the place will be to my liking (new cabinets, floors, paint, appliances etc...) My realtor has been absolutely amazing through this process should you need one
EDIT- that is, IF I get the damn place! I was supposed to close Monday :sad:0 -
Not sure I understand what 'apartment living' means DM??
Do you guys only RENT apartments? Or do you own them??
For me, the question might be slightly different, as I live in an apartment, but own it! :bigsmile:
Here, you can also live in a house, but rent it!0 -
I have never lived in an apartment. I moved out of my parents house, and into my house when I was 20.0
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Not sure I understand what 'apartment living' means DM??
Do you guys only RENT apartments? Or do you own them??
For me, the question might be slightly different, as I live in an apartment, but own it! :bigsmile:
Here, you can also live in a house, but rent it!
Good question Anna.
In the US, apartments are typically rentals. My original post was focused on renting a unit within a building or complex. Typically, apartment leases are short term.
Unit living where the unit is owned is more typically a condo over on this side of the pond.
Single family homes in the US can be rented or owned.
But I did want to focus the discussion on renting within an apartment building or apartment complex. Ownership of a unit is a different living arrangement, though being an owner in a multiunit building has some similarities to apartment renting lifestyle.0 -
I wish I could dream big like you and actually make it happen.... my job sucks :-/
The housing market has picked up, so I might be in for a reality check if I try to upgrade!
For a while, you could buy a 3000 sq foot house for around 300k in a marginal area. I check the MLS daily and prices are definitely going up.
Ugh 3000 sq feet? I don't even use up my 1200.0 -
Not sure I understand what 'apartment living' means DM??
Do you guys only RENT apartments? Or do you own them??
For me, the question might be slightly different, as I live in an apartment, but own it! :bigsmile:
Here, you can also live in a house, but rent it!
We rent apartments and buy condominiums.0 -
Not sure I understand what 'apartment living' means DM??
Do you guys only RENT apartments? Or do you own them??
For me, the question might be slightly different, as I live in an apartment, but own it! :bigsmile:
Here, you can also live in a house, but rent it!
Wording differs..but here people generally rent apartments and own condos.
A house can be rented or owned.
Suites are also popular here for single people or even couples - above ground basement suites, or the top floor of a coach house etc.
I just checked the current listings - In Vancouver 300K will buy you at best an old 600 square foot one bedroom apartment in a crappy area of town.
I am not fussy about where I live actually. I shared a 400 square foot apartment with a roommate and a couple of cockroaches in Seoul for 5 years. I can adapt to pretty much just about anything. I do like being on a higher floor or somewhere I consider "safe" though... basement suites kind of scare me.0 -
Not sure I understand what 'apartment living' means DM??
Do you guys only RENT apartments? Or do you own them??
For me, the question might be slightly different, as I live in an apartment, but own it! :bigsmile:
Here, you can also live in a house, but rent it!
We rent apartments and buy condominiums. edit- and rent or buy houses.0 -
I can't do apartment living. Though each apartment I lived in was an interesting experience.
I've lived in a crappy 2 bedroom apartment w/ a roommate when I was in college. The place was basically a health hazard and the living conditions were horrendous. I'll never forget the day I moved out, I was clearing out trash bags in the kitchen and the bags were crawling with maggots. Disgusting.
I had a 400 sq ft apartment in the South End section of Boston for 4 years. That place was old, not updated, and just a piece of crap. I lived close to the Pine Street Inn (homeless shelter) and had to dodge panhandlers everyday. Humans aren't meant to live in such close quarters.
I lived in a newish building (built in the early 2000's) in the North Beach section of Miami Beach. The place was nice, but some guy tried to throw his girlfriend off the 28th floor balcony during a dispute. There was sex in the hot tub, people doing cocaine by the pool area, and more fake boobs than you can imagine. That was a wild couple of years.
Apartment living is good when you are young because it's easier to meet people in the common areas (gym, pool, sauna, etc), but I didn't like hearing my neighbors on all sides of me. I made some good friends during my apartment living years though.
If humans were not meant to live is such close quarters, you would hate living in Manhattan.
The North Beach section of Miami Beach isn't as wild as South Beach. But the fake boobs, I can imagine you enjoyed that. How come you didn't find a girl for a good LTR from that building?0 -
I'm not an apartment person, I crave my privacy. I think part of it was growing up with so many brothers and part of it was being in the military with everyone in your business 24/7. When we divorced, I moved out here and rented an apartment for the first time....that lasted 8 months until I bought the house.
Upside of the apartment was the maintnenance and the proximity of the pool, but that was it.
The house requires maintenance, but I've maintained a home warranty which covers almost all of that. I don't care for the lawn work, but my son will be taking care of that next summer. Other than that, I love it. It's my space and I do what I want when I want. The house is brightly lit with skylights, a sunroom and I have an acre for the kids to play. Much better for us. 0 -
No outside maintenance.
Something breaks, you call someone, they come to fix it.0 -
I'm okay with living in an apartment now since I'm single/no kids or pets. I have the corner unit with a bigger backyard that wraps around and an extra window. I'm friends with my next door neighbor and she has a much smaller backyard and no extra windows. The person who lives upstairs is pretty cool so I lucked out. My parking spot is really close to me as I live in a place with fewer units. I like this because if I have a lot of groceries or moving something then I don't have to walk forever back and forth and have to lock/unlock my car each time. I don't mind the walking but it's also nice if it rains then I can just jump in the car without fumbling with an umbrella. I like living downstairs because I didn't have to move furniture up and down. If I want to workout that involves jumping then I don't worry about disturbing a downstairs neighbor since I don't have one. It's quiet in my area and the apartments are tucked away for privacy/no busy roads. Eventually I'd like my own house.0
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There are definite pros and cons. I hated the looks of the complex I lived in. Very blah. Apartment was generic, no anything to make it special. We lived next door to a family. I disliked no garage. But I loved that tons of college kids lived there and you would see people you knew. I loved having a hot water heater that worked consistently (my old rental house sucked) and a water softener. I loved the brand new carpet and appliances from the century, as my old house had appliances from the 80s and green shag carpeting.0
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Okay.. I'm interested. What can you buy for 300K in your area?0
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Okay.. I'm interested. What can you buy for 300K in your area?
For $300K in Columbus, I could get a brand new 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with a 2 car garage and an acre of land. We have one of the cheapest housing markets in the country. Most of us mid-levelers buy something around $150-$200K and are plenty happy...0 -
Okay.. I'm interested. What can you buy for 300K in your area?
For Vancouver BC http://www.realestatevalley.ca/listing/f1216519-32774-7th-av-mission-bc-v2v-2c1/
EEEKKK.0 -
Okay.. I'm interested. What can you buy for 300K in your area?
All depends in the Miami area.
300k can get you an average 1 bed 1 bath 800 sq ft condo in a decent building downtown or near the beach. You're looking at closer to 500k for a 1/1 in a very high end building.
300k can get you a large McMansion in one of the average suburban areas. In those areas, you can either have solid middle class neighbors or have a neighbor who's running a grow house. Those areas are a mixed bag. 500k can get you a larger house in a nice Suburban area or an older home (closer to 1600 sq ft) in a nice part of city.0 -
I was never a fan of apartment living but my opinion has changed in the last few years. I lost a lot of money because I had to sell my house fast when I moved to Loas Angeles 4 years ago and I still haven't finished paying it off. I think a lot is dependant on the neighbors and the landlord. Sometimes I hear the upstairs guy's dog running around but for the most part, my neighbors are quiet and don't bother me. My landlord is very easy going too. Whenever something breaks, he lets me fix it to my liking and then I deduct the cost from the next month's rent.
I do agree with Mike about space though. I couldn't be in a very small place. My apartment is about 1700 sq.ft. and that's perfect for me right now. I couldn't do any smaller.0 -
Okay.. I'm interested. What can you buy for 300K in your area?
For $300K in Columbus, I could get a brand new 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with a 2 car garage and an acre of land. We have one of the cheapest housing markets in the country. Most of us mid-levelers buy something around $150-$200K and are plenty happy...
Jealous!
Vancouver housing is ranked second least affordable in the world behind Hong Kong. The median home price in the Vancouver is 9.5 times the gross annual median household income. And that has actually gotten slightly better in the last year.0 -
300K in that part of Arizona would get you a home with top of the line upgrades....about 2200 SF, 3/4 bedroom, double car garage on a 1/4 acre lot with a nice view of this...
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No outside maintenance.
Something breaks, you call someone, they come to fix it.
Maintenance at no cost as well.
Mobility is another factor that is good in apartment life. Jobs are less secure now, so if you work in a field with little job security, you can be prepared to move in fairly short order.0
